The mission of the New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) Preschool Special Education team is aligned with the over-all mission of our school system. Our goal is to collaborate with parents of preschool aged children and community partners to develop and provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for children ages 3-5 (who are not age eligible for kindergarten) that meet eligibility criteria under state and federal guidelines for special education services.

Child Find

If you suspect your child has a disability or if you have developmental concerns in the areas of language, cognitive, social-emotional , motor or adaptive behavior and your child is 3-5 years old and not age eligible to attend kindergarten, please contact our Child Find Office. At no cost to families, children suspected of having a disability will be evaluated and if eligible, will be provided special education services. If you have questions regarding your preschool aged child, contact the child find office at 910-254-4236.

Child Find Office

Phone: 910-254-4236 Email: lori.abbott@nhcs.net Fax: 910-251-6131